A wonderful new storyteller unleashes a soaring debut that sweeps from the hills of Hawaii to the veldt of South Africa. "Come Sunday "is that joyo...
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reviews
Feb 04, 2012
Irene
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Come Sunday, Isla Morley’s doleful debut profoundly orchestrates the excruciatingly merciless emotion we call “grief.” When a tragic accident claims her precocious three-year-old daughter Cleo, we vicariously examine how a mother’s conventional daily life collapses instantaneously.
Abbe Deighton and her husband Greg, an uncharismatic pastor of a small church in one of the poorest areas of Hawaii innocently encounter one of life’s most unjustifiable catastrophes: the loss of a child. A More...
Abbe Deighton and her husband Greg, an uncharismatic pastor of a small church in one of the poorest areas of Hawaii innocently encounter one of life’s most unjustifiable catastrophes: the loss of a child. A More...
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Jun 05, 2011
Jillian
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What happens to a couple when their only child dies tragically? Can they hold it together or will it all fall apart? As a mother, how do you know when to move forward with your life without betraying the memory of your child?
In Come Sunday by Isla Morley, Greg and Abbe are shattered when the center of their lives, their daughter Chloe, dies after being hit by a car. Abbe’s inability to forgive the driver, or her best friends who were watching Chloe ultimately leads to cracks in her mar More...
In Come Sunday by Isla Morley, Greg and Abbe are shattered when the center of their lives, their daughter Chloe, dies after being hit by a car. Abbe’s inability to forgive the driver, or her best friends who were watching Chloe ultimately leads to cracks in her mar More...
Jul 05, 2009
Sheri
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This is a debut novel. The story was very sad. Greg is a minister and his wife Abbe, an unconvincing minister's wife, to be sure, have a 3 yr. old daughter Cleo who was hit by a car and killed. Not only does Abbe blame her friend who was in her care at the time of the accident, but she "quits" her marriage and isn't there for her husband who is also in pain. The little girl ran out in the street to chase a balloon she saw and ran in front of an oncoming car. For crying out loud, how
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Apr 28, 2009
Alice
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I’ve finished reading the book by Isla Morley, Come Sunday. I found it to be very well written, but disturbing.
The story starts with the tragic death of a 3 year old daughter on Good Friday. During the subsequent year the marriage of the husband (a minister) and his wife disintegrates. Flashbacks show the parallel between this failed marriage and the earlier abusive childhood of the wife. The weaving together of the present, the past at different stages, and religious symbolism, is v More...
The story starts with the tragic death of a 3 year old daughter on Good Friday. During the subsequent year the marriage of the husband (a minister) and his wife disintegrates. Flashbacks show the parallel between this failed marriage and the earlier abusive childhood of the wife. The weaving together of the present, the past at different stages, and religious symbolism, is v More...
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Dec 13, 2009
treehugger
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Well, it's weird that this book doesn't fit into ANY of my shelves besides "read 2009"!
I liked this book. Now, it wasn't an enjoyable read - let's just get that right out of the way. The subject matter, a mother's grief, is hard to bear, and the mother wallows for a LARGE part of the book. But it's so REAL you can't really look away. I tried to put this book down for good several times, and just had to keep finding out how it all turned out!
I couldn't for th More...
I liked this book. Now, it wasn't an enjoyable read - let's just get that right out of the way. The subject matter, a mother's grief, is hard to bear, and the mother wallows for a LARGE part of the book. But it's so REAL you can't really look away. I tried to put this book down for good several times, and just had to keep finding out how it all turned out!
I couldn't for th More...
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Sep 02, 2009
Karen
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The protagonist's three-year old daughter, who is being babysat by her mother's best friend, darts out into the street and is run over and killed by a hapless old man. Abbe, whose only joy seems to have been her daughter, narrates the story of her year of unrelenting grief and anger as she punishes and pushes away almost everyone, including her minister husband. The author weaves back and forth in time, chapter by chapter, looking through rearview mirrors to her crippling childhood and findin
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Aug 31, 2009
Laura
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For Abbe Deighton it is her three-year-old daughter Cleo who makes Abbe's otherwise banal life worth living. When Cleo dies in a tragic accident, Abbe no longer sees the point in living. Come Sunday captures the raw grief of a mother whose identity as a mother has been irrevocably shattered. Cleo's death forces Abbe to reexamine the source of her identity when her role as mother is nullified, her increasingly shaky relationship with her pastor husband Greg, and her nominal faith in God.
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Jan 02, 2011
Jennifer
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Come Sunday is the story of couple who is already struggling, and completely fall apart after the accidental death of their daughter. The story is told from the point of view of Abbe, the mother. The death of her daughter brings to the surface issues remaining from her painful childhood. While it was fairly difficult to wade through her grief, pain, loss and past, the book had moments of beauty. It was well written, and I thought, believable. Difficult for me was the mid-section of the book. I
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Nov 26, 2011
Ellie
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Abbe grew up in South Africa in the midst of Apartheid but chose to make Honolulu her home with her pastor husband, Greg, and her young daughter, Chloe. One evening she goes out to the movies with Greg, leaving Chloe with a good friend who loves her daughter just as much as she. On returning, they discover the worst has happened and their daughter is dead.
There are two central plots in Come Sunday, the present day in which Abbe falls apart after the accident, and the story of her pas More...
There are two central plots in Come Sunday, the present day in which Abbe falls apart after the accident, and the story of her pas More...
Oct 05, 2011
Diane
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The plot of this book is the story of the death of the only child of the minister and his wife. The girl is killed in an accident, and the book follows the mother's grief and the subsequent disintegration of her marriage. The mother is a native of South Africa, and the book includes flashbacks of her memories of growing up in apartheid-era South Africa. The book has an intriguing premise; looking at the life of the minister's wife and the ways in which she doesn't fit the "perfect"
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Sep 07, 2010
Amy
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Come Sunday, Isla Morley
Nominated for the Commonwealth Prize of Australia
Come Sunday is a story that explores the tragic devastation of a couple after their small child is accidentally killed. A seemingly matched pair, the two choose alternating paths to recover from their daughter Cleo's death. No one is free from the tragic ripples that spread out in the days after the accident.
First, the novel alternates by showing the coping mechanisms of the husb More...
Nominated for the Commonwealth Prize of Australia
Come Sunday is a story that explores the tragic devastation of a couple after their small child is accidentally killed. A seemingly matched pair, the two choose alternating paths to recover from their daughter Cleo's death. No one is free from the tragic ripples that spread out in the days after the accident.
First, the novel alternates by showing the coping mechanisms of the husb More...
Nov 24, 2009
Betty410
rated it:
I was prepared to give this story 4*'s due to the cover recommendations, the experience, education and qualifications of the author. So what happened?
Married to a minister, a bit bored with the role she must play, but full of life with her 3 yr. old daughter, all comes to and end with the sudden accidental death of the child. The endless description of her depression that follows is what almost made me close the book. But curiousity prevailed, because I thought this blackness has to end More...
Married to a minister, a bit bored with the role she must play, but full of life with her 3 yr. old daughter, all comes to and end with the sudden accidental death of the child. The endless description of her depression that follows is what almost made me close the book. But curiousity prevailed, because I thought this blackness has to end More...
Sep 11, 2010
Diane
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A powerful debut novel. In this novel, Abbe's faith is severely tested after her 3-year-old daughter is tragically killed in a car accident. (That is not a spoiler, as that provides the setting for subsequent soul searching.) Abbe's troubled upbringing in South Africa is remembered, and it seems that she may forever be a victim -- of growing up in a tumultuous household, then having her child violently taken away -- unless she learns to stand up for her life. Wonderful secondary characters, such
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Aug 11, 2011
A birthday/anniversary gift from my hubby, who is probably the only person who takes a chance and buys books for me. (I LOVE seeing what he thinks I would enjoy and he does a miraculously good job of it.)
I didn't think I'd like this as it centers around the accidental death of a 3 year old child and how a mother fights and recovers from the grief, though losing her marriage. The writing, however, was STELLAR...beautiful, stunning, and heart-breaking at times. The plains of South Africa juxt More...
I didn't think I'd like this as it centers around the accidental death of a 3 year old child and how a mother fights and recovers from the grief, though losing her marriage. The writing, however, was STELLAR...beautiful, stunning, and heart-breaking at times. The plains of South Africa juxt More...
Aug 11, 2009
Virginia
rated it: 
I got about a third of the way into this book and had to quit. The main character gets more unlikeable as the story goes on and I just sort of decided I didn't care what happened.
It is a very depressing read, as Abbe is grieving for the loss of her three-year old. Understandable, and perhaps it was just the mother in me that felt like I would scream if I had to read another page of her torment, but it really did feel overdone instead of genuine.
Perhaps the half of the More...
It is a very depressing read, as Abbe is grieving for the loss of her three-year old. Understandable, and perhaps it was just the mother in me that felt like I would scream if I had to read another page of her torment, but it really did feel overdone instead of genuine.
Perhaps the half of the More...
Aug 09, 2010
Donna
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This is a book of multiple themes and many layers. The author cleverly creates characters who let you know who they really are through their dialog and interaction with others. Spirits from the main character's past are interspersed throughout and help to weave the pattern of this tale.
The book raises many questions about marriage, faith, organized religion, parenthood, childhood, family life, friendship and forgiveness. The reader is an observer, but because the dialog is so be More...
The book raises many questions about marriage, faith, organized religion, parenthood, childhood, family life, friendship and forgiveness. The reader is an observer, but because the dialog is so be More...
Sep 09, 2010
Beth
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Lyrical prose and a strong plot. Morely weaves in folklore and descriptions of South Africa that make you feel you are there. Abbe is a self-centered, angry wife to Greg (a preacher) and mother to Cleo (a three-year-old). After Cleo is killed in a car accident, Abbe eventually returns to South Africa to confront her very dysfunctional background. Some of the negative reviews of this book on Amazon strongly criticize Morely’s depiction of the parson (Greg) and his church. Interesting what ca
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Dec 27, 2011
Christina (Reading Extensively)
rated it:
Come Sunday is a moving story about loss and relationships. Abbe has suffered a tremendous loss and as the novel goes on, the reader also finds out about her tough childhood. Isla Morley does a good job of portraying Abbe's pain and she comes across as a very realistic character. Abbe can be unkind and selfish but that is understandable though it makes it hard to like her at times. This is the kind of book that makes readers feel strongly whether it is sorrow or anger.
My evening book More...
My evening book More...
Jul 09, 2009
Suze
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I'm abivalent about this book. I liked it, yet found it a bit disturbing and somewhat depressing. The main characters held my interest enough to want to finish it, hoping for some happiness for them.
It's a sad book throughout most of the story, with just a few happy moments scattered throughout. I liked the author's introspective style of writing, which is probably what held my interest the most.
I wouldn't recommend reading this book if you're feeling down - it will only More...
It's a sad book throughout most of the story, with just a few happy moments scattered throughout. I liked the author's introspective style of writing, which is probably what held my interest the most.
I wouldn't recommend reading this book if you're feeling down - it will only More...
Aug 08, 2010
Mandy
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Okay, where to start with this review... I'm glad I read it. It was a good reminder of all my blessings, most of my children. But it's a very sad and depressing story. The things that this mother felt and experienced as she went through the grieving process were eye opening to me, as I have never lost a loved one to such a tragedy. Parts of the book involved Apartheid, and I want to read more about that time period, now. I really didn't appreciate the foul language, most of all the f-bomb i
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Nov 13, 2009
Nicole
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A really well-written book. Don't let the sad subject matter (a mother's journey through grief after her 3-yr-old dies) turn you off. Some of the book takes place in Hawaii, some in South Africa, some in the present-day marriage of the main character, some in her memory of her parents' rocky marriage. The main character is flawed, but the writing is top-notch. The Christian symbolism woven throughout was very well done. I would recommend this book and look for more from this author.
Aug 06, 2011
Sandy
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This book is about the emotional journey of a woman who has lost her 3-year old daughter in a car accident. Her husband is the pastor of a small congregation and they live in Hawaii. After their daughter dieds her husband focuses intently on his faith while she turns away from the church and God. Throughout the story there are flashbacks to when she was a child growing up in South Africa living with a father who is abusive. I couldn't put this book down. Amazing emotional descriptive writing.
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Jul 27, 2010
Kate
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This a beautiful story of a young mother overcoming her grief for her child's untimely death and in the process also mends old wounds from her tumultuous childhood. The book is intensely engaging and flows easily. I actually read it in just one evening. However, this book is not for those looking for a light read. While at time this book can be melancholic, the ending is all about hope and reconciliation. Overall it is an engaging book about loss and eventual healing.
Aug 04, 2010
Derinda
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This was a excellent book and very well written. There was no slow parts in the book it keep you reading from page one to the end of the book.
It is about how a mother goes through pain , loss, loss of a marriage, loss of a friendship when her daughter dies.
The mom put blame on friendships, her husband and everybody around her till she had to come to terms herself on how to deal with her daughter's death.
There are some funny parts in the book, there is saddn More...
It is about how a mother goes through pain , loss, loss of a marriage, loss of a friendship when her daughter dies.
The mom put blame on friendships, her husband and everybody around her till she had to come to terms herself on how to deal with her daughter's death.
There are some funny parts in the book, there is saddn More...
Jul 11, 2010
Julia
rated it:
Has to be one of the saddest books I've read in a long time. Don't read this poolside without your sunglasses handy. The story revolves around the main character Abbe Deighton, a pastor's wife and mother who is somewhat unhappy in both those roles at the beginning of the book. All changes (and the tears start flowing) when her three year old daughter is hit and killed by a car. Seriously, I couldn't stop crying. The rest of the book deals with how she copes (and often doesn't cope) with the grie
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Mar 30, 2010
Annthelibrarian
rated it:
Abbe Deighton's life is ripped apart by grief, and she struggles to stay afloat in the present and reflects on her past as a child growing up in South Africa. A multi-layered novel: a family saga; the story of a mother's grief; and a book tuned in to the rhythms of the religious year.
A beautifully written book although hard to read at times. A first novel and wonderfully done as an audiobook, which has been nominated for an Audie, the award given for audiobooks.
A beautifully written book although hard to read at times. A first novel and wonderfully done as an audiobook, which has been nominated for an Audie, the award given for audiobooks.
Oct 06, 2010
Sheryl
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The reader should have learned to pronounce the Hawaiian place names-it was distracting.
This story was almost too sad, I was dragged down into this woman's grief and felt captive. As I glanced around the story for some relief, I did not find any.
But with that said I thought the book was vivid, weeks later I can close my eyes and picture a scene from the story.
This story was almost too sad, I was dragged down into this woman's grief and felt captive. As I glanced around the story for some relief, I did not find any.
But with that said I thought the book was vivid, weeks later I can close my eyes and picture a scene from the story.
Jul 29, 2010
Therese
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I really liked this book. I didn't think I'd like it because many of the reviews were negative. It's about the tragic death of a child and the mother's process of grieving. But it's also about her marriage and her own childhood.
The setting is mainly in Hawaii with flashbacks to South Africa. The story flows easily through the different places and stages of her life.
The setting is mainly in Hawaii with flashbacks to South Africa. The story flows easily through the different places and stages of her life.
Jun 19, 2009
Jenny
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This one grabbed me by the second page, and drug me through to the very end. It is a very sad book, well writen, and really pulled me in, I was right there with the main character crying and cheering with her. She(main char.) is a pastors wife. I appreciate the humanizing of her, meaning real questions, doubts and anger at God, just like a normal person.
Oct 31, 2009
Vilo
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I had to take several breaks from the intensity of this novel, set in Hawaii and South Africa. The author is South African. It is a study of grief processes, for unexpected death and for the imperfections of family and friends. It was interesting to see a South Africa from a perspective of a lower middle class white family.
